Transportation Model Application and Operational Performance of Service Marketing Companies in FCT, Nigeria
Author
Assoc. Prof. Ndulue Theresa Ifeanyiwa, Ladi Victoria Eneche
Abstract
This study examined the effect of transportation model application on the operational performance of service marketing companies in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. Specifically, it assessed the predictive influence of cost minimisation, route and scheduling optimisation, capacity and resource allocation, and information-based transport decision support. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population comprised 393 managers drawn from 18 registered service marketing companies in the FCT, while Yamane’s formula was used to determine the minimum sample size. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire, validated by experts in logistics and service marketing. The reliability of the instrument was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha, which produced an overall coefficient of 0.84. Data were analysed using multiple regression with the aid of SPSS Version 27. The results revealed that transportation model application had a significant effect on operational performance. The regression model was statistically significant, F(4, 200) = 106.250, p < .005. Individually, route and scheduling optimisation was the strongest predictor of operational performance, β = .295, p < .005, followed by information-based transport decision support, β = .250, p < .005, cost minimisation, β = .215, p = .005, and capacity and resource allocation, β = .185, p = .002. Based on these findings, all four null hypotheses were rejected. The study concludes that transportation model application is a strategic operational tool for improving service efficiency, timeliness, reliability, resource utilisation and customer responsiveness. The study recommends that service marketing companies in the FCT should invest in route optimisation systems, integrated transport information platforms and structured capacity planning while treating cost minimisation as part of a broader operational performance strategy.
Keywords
Cost minimisation, operational performance, route optimisation, service marketing, transportation model
Full Text:
References
- Arvis, J.-F., Ojala, L., Wiederer, C., Shepherd, B., Raj, A., Dairabayeva, K., & Kiiski, T. (2023). Connecting to compete 2023: Trade logistics in an uncertain global economy. World Bank. https://lpi.worldbank.org/
- Audu, S. (2024). Transportation model: Review of its practical application in Kogi State, Nigeria. International Journal of Applied and Scientific Research, 2(4), 409-424. https://doi.org/10.59890/ijasr.v2i4.1695
- Ballou, R. H. (2004). Business logistics/supply chain management: Planning, organizing, and controlling the supply chain (5th ed.). Pearson Prentice Hall.
- Barney, J. (1991). Firm resources and sustained competitive advantage. Journal of Management, 17(1), 99-120. https://doi.org/10.1177/014920639101700108
- Beamon, B. M. (1999). Measuring supply chain performance. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 19(3), 275-292. https://doi.org/10.1108/01443579910249714
- Chopra, S. (2019). Supply chain management: Strategy, planning, and operation (7th ed.). Pearson.
- Evans-Obinna, R. N., & Nwosu, E. E. (2016). Transportation model: A qualitative solution tool for achieving institutional and managerial goals in the 21st century. International Journal of Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods, 4(2), 1-9.
- Gunasekaran, A., Patel, C., & McGaughey, R. E. (2004). A framework for supply chain performance measurement. International Journal of Production Economics, 87(3), 333-347. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2003.08.003
- Hillier, F. S., & Lieberman, G. J. (2021). Introduction to operations research (11th ed.). McGraw Hill.
- Kotler, P., & Keller, K. L. (2016). Marketing management (15th ed.). Pearson.
- Kumar, D., Krishna, S., Verma, A., & Jaswal, K. (2025). Real world application of transportation problem: A case study approach. International Journal for Research Trends and Innovation, 10(7), b336-b342. https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.doione.IJRTI2507149
- Laporte, G. (2009). Fifty years of vehicle routing. Transportation Science, 43(4), 408-416. https://doi.org/10.1287/trsc.1090.0301
- National Bureau of Statistics. (2024a). Nigerian Gross Domestic Product Q2 2024. https://www.nigerianstat.gov.ng/elibrary/read/1241549
- National Bureau of Statistics. (2024b). Transport Fare Watch: February 2024. https://www.nigerianstat.gov.ng/elibrary/read/1241478
- National Bureau of Statistics. (2024c). Transport Fare Watch: August 2024. https://www.nigerianstat.gov.ng/elibrary/read/1241563
- National Bureau of Statistics. (2024d). Road Transport Data Q2 2024. https://www.nigerianstat.gov.ng/elibrary/read/1241582
- National Bureau of Statistics. (2024e). Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) Price Watch: September 2024. https://www.nigerianstat.gov.ng/download/1241571
- National Bureau of Statistics. (2024f). Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) Price Watch: October 2024. https://www.nigerianstat.gov.ng/elibrary/read/1241584
- Ndubuisi, P. O. (2021). Application of transportation model for optimal product distribution chain management. International Journal of Management & Entrepreneurship Research, 3(3), 107-117. doi:10.51594/ijmer.v3i3.218
- Neely, A., Gregory, M., & Platts, K. (1995). Performance measurement system design: A literature review and research agenda. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 15(4), 80-116. https://doi.org/10.1108/01443579510083622
- Ogumeyo, S. A., & Omole, C. E. O. (2024). Application of transportation model to solve tankers’ routing problem. FUDMA Journal of Sciences, 8(2), 259-266. doi:10.33003/fjs-2024-0802-2352
- Sahani, S. K., Thakur, S. K., Sahani, K., & Abdullahi, I. (2024). Real life applications of transportation problem model: A study and complex analysis of Hyundai plants. Educational Administration: Theory and Practice, 30(5), 11546-11550. doi:10.53555/kuey.v30i5.4967
- Slack, N., & Brandon-Jones, A. (2019). Operations management (9th ed.). Pearson.
- Taha, H. A. (2017). Operations research: An introduction (10th ed.). Pearson.